New laws

August is almost at an end. This year it’s not just kids back to school and pumpkin spice everything welcoming September; Houston has some new laws taking effect too!

One of the most wide reaching is the ban on texting while driving.  Forty-six states already have laws against texting while driving. Texas lawmakers passed a statewide ban in 2011, but it was vetoed by then Governor Rick Perry. This version approved by the Senate creates a statewide law that would pre-empt local texting prohibitions. The first offense can draw a fine between $25 and $99 and there are exemptions for operating a device used for navigation or stereo control. Another law in the realm of technology enforces no-fly zones for remote controlled, unmanned aircraft, like drones, over correctional facilities and detention centers.

There are also new laws pertaining to weapons. Houstonians will now be able to open-carry blades more than 5.5 inches in length in public places. That’s right! Prepare to see people wearing swords, hunting knives, decorative knives and machetes outside Ren Fest and all around town! However, open-carry will not be permitted in most bars, places of education, polling places, correctional facilities, hospitals, amusement or sports parks and places of worship. The concealed firearms license fee has changed for new users from $140 to $40. Renewals will decrease in price from $70 to $40. Campus carry of firearms became legal August 1^st in public community colleges.

A few laws have come in place to further protect our citizens. A law regarding amnesty to students who witness or report a sexual assault while engaged in a separate illegal activity – like theft or public intoxication – was put into place. Lottery winners who win over a million dollars will benefit from an anonymity option to protect them from the media. Good Samaritans are already exempt from criminal charges in connection with their actions, and will now be exempt from civil liability as well. An example of this would be if a person breaks a car window to save a dog, they cannot be sued for damage to the vehicle. Another bill affects ride-hailing companies placing them under Texas regulatory control which imposes fees. The bill also requires annual background checks for drivers, but not fingerprinting. Houston and Austin requirement of driver fingerprinting had caused some ride-hailing companies not to offer service in their metropolitan areas. Hopefully this change will allow more services offered to the city’s occupants and ensure their safety.

How do you feel about these new laws? How do you think the will effect day-to-day life in Houston?